microSWIFTs for air-deployments and expendable wave observing
Abstract
Fabrication of a wave observing system consisting of 100 expendable buoys is proposed to enhance global coverage (with a focus on the Arctic) of ocean waves and sea surface temperatures. These capabilities will enhance ongoing and future research supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR, Code 322). The "microSWIFT" buoys in development are an extension of the proven SWIFT platform, which has been used to measure ocean surface conditions in over 30 projects. The new miniaturized version will be low unit cost (approxx. $500 each) and thereby expendable. The microSWIFTs will also be suitable for aerial deployments, as already demonstrated in a recent project. The air-expendable capability will be particularly advantageous in the Arctic or extratropical cyclones, where logistical constraints require an autonomous approach to observing. These are also the regions with the most rapid changes in surface waves and temperatures
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012456
Entities
People
- James Thomson
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Washington